NU
Mon, 14 July 2025
KATHMANDU, NEPAL – The diplomatic relationship between Nepal and India, deeply rooted in centuries of shared culture, religion, and open borders, is currently navigating a dynamic period. Recent developments, including Nepal's mixed fortunes at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee session and the ongoing interplay of domestic politics, underscore the nuanced nature of this vital bilateral partnership.
Tilaurakot's UNESCO Bid Deferred, Highlighting Diplomatic Gaps
Nepal's long-cherished ambition to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Tilaurakot, the ancient capital where Prince Siddhartha Gautama spent his formative years, has been put on hold. The 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris decided to defer its inscription.
This decision, based on a recommendation from ICOMOS, UNESCO's principal advisory body, comes after a decade of dedicated archaeological work and a comprehensive nomination dossier.
Crucially, despite Nepal's extensive efforts and a high-level delegation present, no member state came forward to propose an amendment in Nepal's favour. This outcome has sparked discussions in Nepal about the effectiveness of its "heritage diplomacy".
Analysts suggest that whilst strong scientific evidence supports Tilaurakot's historical significance, a lack of concerted diplomatic lobbying may have hampered its bid. Some observers point to India's successful push for its "Maratha Military Landscapes," which, despite an initial ICOMOS deferral recommendation, gained approval after Japan's intervention, contrasting with the situation for Tilaurakot.
Underlying geopolitical currents are also cited as a factor. India, a significant voice within UNESCO, has historically maintained its own claims regarding the definitive ancient Kapilvastu, promoting sites like Piprahwa and Ganwaria. This complex dynamic suggests a potential future path could involve a joint, trans-boundary nomination, uniting shared heritage across the border.
Lumbini's Positive Turn
In a more encouraging development, Lumbini, the revered birthplace of Buddha and an existing UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been removed from the list of potentially endangered heritage sites. This positive step reflects Nepal's effective conservation and improvement efforts in the area.
UNESCO will conduct a follow-up monitoring mission, with Lumbini's future status dependent on its findings. This success demonstrates how focused action and clear communication can yield favourable international recognition.
Internal Politics Shape External Ties
The domestic political landscapes in both Nepal and India profoundly influence their diplomatic engagement. In Nepal, a history of political instability and frequent changes of government can lead to inconsistencies in foreign policy.
Nationalist sentiments often rise, particularly concerning issues like the border disputes (Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura), where Nepal has asserted its claims through revised maps. These issues, highly emotive domestically, are sometimes utilised by political factions to garner support, occasionally leading to anti-India rhetoric.
The 2015 unofficial border blockade, widely perceived in Nepal as an Indian punitive measure, severely strained ties and fuelled a desire to diversify dependencies. Nepal's efforts to balance relations with India and China, with varying internal political alignments on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also impact India's strategic outlook.
Conversely, India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prioritises close ties with immediate neighbours, including Nepal. India views Nepal as crucial to its strategic security, given the Himalayan buffer with China, and its foreign policy is influenced by domestic security concerns along the open border.
However, India's historical influence in Nepal is sometimes perceived as overreach, feeding a "big brother" narrative within Nepal. The ongoing delay in receiving the report of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), formed to review the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, further illustrates how bilateral issues can become entangled in domestic political considerations on both sides.
Current Cooperation and Lingering Challenges
Despite the challenges, high-level engagements have continued. There have been numerous exchanges between heads of state/government and ministerial visits, including Nepal's Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba's recent visits to India.
Energy cooperation is expanding, with a long-term agreement aiming to increase Nepal's power exports to India. Connectivity projects, including cross-border railways and integrated check posts, are also progressing steadily.
India remains Nepal's largest development partner, providing significant aid for infrastructure, health, and education. Cultural and defence ties also remain robust, reflecting the deep historical bonds.
However, sensitive issues like the unresolved border disputes persist. Discussions around the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, including the unimplemented EPG report, highlight areas requiring sustained diplomatic effort and compromise.
The UNESCO decisions for Tilaurakot and Lumbini serve as timely reminders. For a stable and prosperous future, both Nepal and India must navigate their intertwined destinies with persistent dialogue, mutual understanding, and a willingness to overcome political complexities for shared benefit.
Ultimately, the enduring spirit of collaboration remains crucial amidst the evolving geopolitical landscape for both Himalayan neighbours.
